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Sifting Through the Playoff Scenarios

by
Staff Writer
/ Nashville Predators

With tonight's win over Detroit, the path to the playoffs became a little clearer for the Predators. Basically the 1230 game NHL schedule boils down to six more games of influence for the Preds. Four teams still have a chance to earn the final two playoff spots in the Western Conference – Nashville, Anaheim, and St. Louis are all tied at 88 points and Minnesota's still alive with 85 points.

Either win or lose at Minnesota in the regular season finale, the Preds would still have scenarios to qualify for the playoffs. A win and the chances are much better. A win at Minnesota and Nashville would have three chances to make the playoffs – a St. Louis regulation loss either Friday night against Columbus or Sunday at Colorado, a pair of St. Louis overtime/shootout losses both against Columbus and Colorado, or a pair of losses by the Anaheim Ducks on Friday against Dallas and Saturday at Phoenix (it would not matter if they were in overtime or regulation).

A loss at Minnesota and the Preds could still get in to the playoffs, but it would take help in three other games: St. Louis would have to lose both of its games in regulation and Minnesota would have to lose its game (either regulation or overtime/shootout) on Saturday at Columbus.